Hundreds of people scattered around the 30-plus acres on Sunday to enjoy homemade pancakes with fresh farm produced maple syrup, horse-drawn sleigh rides, homemade doughnuts and a variety of family-oriented activities.

After wending their way along the snow covered paths, walkers found themselves watching Rob Williams, of Strafford, wielding a chain saw and carving a large “mountain man” figure.

“It is an art,” said Williams, a nuclear inspector in the real world.

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Ryan McBride/Staff photographer
Rod Williams of Strafford carves a man out of a large cut of wood Sunday at Belgian Meadows Farm in Lebanon, Maine.

“I have been doing this for 30 years and recently I met the farm owner Steve Collins. We became fast friends and here I am demonstrating this,” he gestured to the mostly completed sculpture cut from a large piece of pine. "It takes about ten hours or more to do it right.”
Several hundred yards up the snowy path was the Sugar Shack. “The sap is collected on site, harvested and boiled right here,” explained Master Boiler Mark Phalen to a host of folks rapt with attention as he explained the process.
Friend Frank Downs then offered an empty cup to each suggesting that they step outside and scoop some snow, after which he poured maple syrup upon it.

“Just like candy,” exclaimed 12-year-old Hali Chadbourne as she sampled with a smile.

Strolling through the woods also entailed stepping to the side of the path occasionally as Collins passed by with a dual Belgian Horse drawn sleigh full of laughing and giggling passengers.

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Ryan McBride/Staff photographer
Two Belgian Horses led the pack of the sleigh ride given by owner Steve Collins of Belgian Meadows Farm in Lebanon, ME Sunday.

Deeper into the woods is the Honeymoon Cottage, a historic, one-room building which this day was filled with folks anxiously awaiting an opportunity to sample doughnuts made while you wait. The delicacies, the size of a child's fist, were being whipped up by Zee Rowe who chatted pleasantly with those waiting on the porch, or sitting on benches outside warming themselves by the fire while waiting their turn. One of those waiting was Paul Vermette of Sanford who was pleased to be at the farm.

“This is really nice, I never knew it was here,” he said.

Inside, enjoying the ambience were Rochester's Jeffrey Holt and Christine Arsenault who were soaking up the atmosphere for a different reason. On May 11th they will be married on the premises and will spend their wedding night in the appropriately named Honeymoon Cottage.

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Ryan McBride/Staff photographer
Owner of Belgian Meadows Farm, Steve Collins greats local visitors in Lebanon, Maine at the farm on Sunday during the celebration of maple syrup.

“My friend was married here last summer, “said Arsenault, “and I fell in love with the concept.” “We can't wait,” said Holt, a cook at Rochester Manor.

People arriving at the main house were greeted by Lamie Venios, a Woburn, Mass., native who has found his niche in Maine.

“I can't believe I lived all my life traveling in to Boston every day,” said Venios “this is what real people are all about.”

The dining area was set up with numerous family-style tables. Cooking up stacks and stacks of pancakes were Hoss Garry of Rochester and his assistant of two years Madisen Blowers-McCune of Sanford.

“She's been the best helper I've ever had,” said Hoss referring to Madisen, “she's part of the tradition now.”

The event is in its third year and is a celebration of Maine life on the farm. Owner Steve Collins has owned the property for 22 years.

“I spent many years as a local carpenter/builder,” said Collins as he was hopping onto the sleigh to pull a group of visitors, “but this is what I love doing.” In opening up the farm, Collins charges no fee. “It is for the enjoyment for all of the outdoors,” said Collins.
“If ever there is a man to look up to, it is Steve,” said Amy Stack, an associate with Waban Associates of Sanford. “We develop and operate programs which involve the general welfare of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Steve, several times a year, opens up the farm to our clients. He is wonderful.”

The event, which is a celebration for residents of the area, is also a validation of the quality of Steve Collins. Everyone working on the event this day was volunteering their time because of him.

Johnna Shennott describe Collins as “a man with the biggest heart, he loves bringing joy into people's lives. When he says 'how are you,' he really means it.”

Belgian Meadows Farm may be visited on line at belgianmeadowsfarm.com.

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Ryan McBride/Staff photographer
Homemade all natural syrup is made on site at Belgian Meadows Farm seen here bottled.